Life is this wild, unpredictable journey, isn't it? It's a ride filled with twists, turns, and those unexpected moments that make us sit up and take notice. This week, let's talk about something we all know too well: the ever-changing seasons of our lives.
Celebrating Our Bodies: A Shoutout to the Beautiful Chaos
Big shoutout to Knix for shining a light on perimenopause, an often-neglected season in a woman's life. Did you see their big campaign? Watch it here. Our bodies, these incredible vessels, go through shifts that are as natural as the changing seasons outside our windows. From hormonal dances (I mean dance feels like a cute way to say rage?) to the rhythm of our cycles, it's time to normalize the excitement and challenges that come with the ever-shifting landscape of our physical selves. We have been conditioned to believe we are to be one way; in how we look, in how we feel, and in how we behave. Fake news my friends.
Identity and Values: Unveiling the Layers
Now, let's dive into the good stuff - the change that happen within. As we journey through life, our identities and values morph and evolve. It's like shedding layers to reveal the authentic self underneath. Let's be real; it's both thrilling and a tad (a LOT) scary. Normalizing this rollercoaster of self-discovery, acknowledging the excitement and the struggle, is key. Embracing change in our values is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our growth. We were never meant to stay the same so if you have found yourself changing and growing and evolving, congratulations.
Careers and Friendships: The Uncharted Territory
Ever made a career move that felt like stepping into an entirely different universe? Cheers to those brave leaps! Careers, like seasons, change, and the transitions can be exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. We are so conditioned to believe there is one way, one job, one place for us to stay. How narrow minded (if that is not serving you— no shade for those of you serving an organization for 35 years, that is equally admirable). What I am saying is, you do you.
 I recently learned about the monkey bar concept in that sometimes when we feel we are stepping back or stepping away, we are actually building momentum for that big launch that lands us at the next bar. Please do not let the decades before you define success, the world is not the same. Hell, think of the shifts we have all experienced since the pandemic hit in 2020. If you can do one thing, it’s to stop placing other’s peoples narratives and pathways for success onto yourself. You, my friend ,have a journey of your own. Go blaze some trails.
And friendships? They, too, evolve. It's okay to feel the bittersweet nature of these shifts, recognizing that change doesn't diminish the value of the connections we've shared. People move in and out of our lives all of the time; we all know the thrill of the beginnings and the grief of the endings. I invite you to just stay open minded but also hold steady in what you need. Not everyone needs the same kind or number of friendships so please do not doubt yourself based on your brunch dates and lunch meetups. Your circle can be any size, my wish is that you just have who you need and deserve within that circle.
Humble Pie and the Power Struggle
Now, let's chat about a dish we've all been served a hefty serving of: humble pie. As women, we're often conditioned to play it down, stay in our comfort zones. But what happens when we step into our power, assert ourselves, and lead the way we know we can? It can be like a whole new world, and sometimes, we find ourselves questioning if we truly belong. Spoiler: You do. You absolutely do.
Choosing Ourselves: A Revolution in Self-Love
On the flip side, choosing ourselves and our families can trigger a different kind of crisis. It's like untangling ourselves from societal expectations and those deeply ingrained messages we absorbed as kids. Remember in the Barbie movie and the the infamous monologue where they said being a woman is impossible? Well, we're rewriting that narrative. You are enough.
Navigating Discomfort: Developing Our Windows of Tolerance
Let's address the elephant in the room – change is uncomfortable. We're so conditioned to scroll through our feelings, numbing the discomfort with distractions. But guess what? Sometimes, we need to sit in it, feel it, move through it. Developing our 'windows of tolerance' is like expanding our comfort zones. Here's a short, practical list to navigate discomfort through change:
Breathe: Take deep breaths. Inhale courage, exhale doubt.
Journaling: Put those swirling thoughts on paper. It's cathartic.
Connection: Share your feelings with a trusted friend. You're not alone.
Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Change is a messy process.
Mindfulness:Â Embrace the present. You've got this, right here, right now.
Embrace the Journey
So, here's to us - navigating the ever-changing seasons with courage, embracing the discomfort, and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be ourselves in this high pressure and chaotic world. Change is our constant companion, and as we ride the waves, let's remember that every season, every twist, adds a unique chapter to our incredible stories. And further, those messy chapters? They make the bestsellers.
With hype, courage, and a dash of rebellion,
Lisa
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